Market study of carpentry

Background

The carpentry market in France in 2026 is establishing itself as a key sector for building finishing and interior outfitting. These professionals are involved in the installation of doors, windows, stairs, verandas, and partitions, for both new constructions and renovations. The activity is structured around two major segments: wood and PVC carpentry, and metal carpentry and locksmithing. The sector draws its strength from a dual expertise, combining workshop manufacturing with technical on-site installation.

This sector benefits from strong structural demand linked to improving living conditions and maintaining real estate assets. Carpenters ensure the building envelope, guaranteeing insulation and occupant safety. Today, the profession goes beyond the simple installation of traditional materials. Artisans incorporate home automation solutions and innovative composite materials to meet new environmental requirements. By 2026, the sector's trend will emphasize customization and thermal performance, transforming each project into a real estate enhancement initiative.

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1. Key figures for the joinery market

The joinery market is showing solid growth despite an uncertain economic climate. According to preliminary estimates from Epsimas, total revenue will exceed 30.5 billion euros in 2025. Wood and PVC joinery dominates the market with 20.3 billion euros, while metal joinery and locksmithing account for 10.2 billion euros. Long-term growth remains positive. Between 2016 and 2025, the wood-PVC segment grew by an average of 4.43 % per year. However, the 2024–2025 period marks a slight decline, with a decrease of -0.51 % for wood and PVC and -4.14% for metal.

The French entrepreneurial landscape is based on a very dense network. EPSIMAS lists 80,116 businesses specializing in wood and PVC carpentry (NAF code 43.32A), with more than half registered as sole proprietorships. 

Sources: INSEE, Epsimas

Please pay attention when reading this graph: an upward curve indicates faster growth, not higher revenue.

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2. The structure of the carpentry market

The carpentry market is structured around powerful industrial groups and a multitude of artisans. Leaders like Atrya (Tryba), FPEE, or Lorillard dominate the sector by integrating manufacturing and installation. These major players ensure a strong national presence through well-known franchise networks. Alongside them, independent players like UTB or Groupe Balas play a major role in complex construction sites. This organization guarantees a varied offering, ranging from industrial series production to high-precision artisanal custom work. 

The profile of established professionals points to significant challenges regarding workforce renewal in the coming years. The average age of a carpenter is 38, but more than 10 % of the workforce is already over 55. This situation poses a significant challenge regarding retirement and business succession. The sector remains overwhelmingly male at 96 % and includes a large proportion of micro-entrepreneurs. Regarding pricing, the average hourly rate charged by professionals ranges from €40 to €60 before taxes, excluding travel expenses. 

Sources: Xerfi, Cerfrance

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3. Profile of Consumers in the Woodworking Market

French consumers prioritize energy efficiency in their carpentry projects. Windows, entrance doors, and shutters are often the first expenses in renovations. Today's informed customers increasingly prepare their projects in advance by gathering information online and on social media. By the time they contact a professional, homeowners generally have a clear idea of the desired materials and design. This digital preparation transforms the carpenter's role into that of an expert consultant to validate technical feasibility.

Sales analysis reveals a very clear breakdown of customer needs. Windows alone account for nearly half of the sector’s revenue, at 43.5%. Exterior metalwork, including staircases and gates, ranks second, accounting for 20 % of revenue. Shutters and blinds account for 16 % of the market. The remainder of the business is divided among sunrooms, exterior doors, and curtain walls. Customers prioritize the quality and long-term durability of installations.

Sources: Elcia, Cerfrance

4. Woodworking Market Trends

Color is currently revolutionizing the aesthetics of French facades. The reign of pure white is coming to an end, giving way to a variety of unique colors. In 2024, 44% of the aluminum and PVC windows sold are no longer white. This aesthetic shift allows homeowners to fully customize their homes to stand out. 

Meanwhile, wood is making a strong comeback due to its elegance and low carbon footprint. It appeals to architects who are concerned about sustainable development. However, aluminum remains the leader in value thanks to its thermal performance and robustness.

Home automation is now transforming joinery into smart equipment. Windows incorporate invisible opening detectors to discreetly enhance security. Remotely controllable shutters and pergolas are becoming standards in the connected home. This technological lever offers professionals major additional revenue opportunities. 

In addition, the aspiration for large, bright spaces boosts demand for XXL formats. Consumers prefer glass doors over 6 meters wide. This trend requires effective sun protection to cool the home without air conditioning.

A commitment to environmental sustainability is finally driving carpenters toward the circular economy. The current trend favors recycling, upcycling, and the use of recyclable composite materials. 

This dynamic follows a very specific seasonality on Google Trends. Searches peak at the start of September for interior insulation projects. A second peak appears in the spring, particularly in March, for outdoor projects like patios. Conversely, activity drops sharply in August and December. Demand therefore remains stable and predictable, dictated more by the civil calendar than by weather fluctuations.

Sources: EpsimasGoogle Trends

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5. Prospects for the carpentry sector

The sector is heading for a delicate landing in 2025 due to several economic factors. A decline in new construction starts and a reduction in renovation subsidies are weighing on volumes. Furthermore, while replacement and repair needs are supporting activity, they are no longer fully offsetting the overall contraction. Carpenters must therefore focus on innovation and high quality to maintain their margins in this transitional period.

Over the past ten years, the sector’s revenue has been on an upward trend, despite more challenging years in 2024 and 2025. EPSIMAS projects continued growth over the next five years, albeit at a slower pace. The Wood-PVC segment could continue to grow at an average annual rate of between 2% and 2.5% from 2025 to 2030. Meanwhile, the metal and hardware segment is projected to grow at a rate of 0.5% per year over the same period, according to our projections. 

Source : EPSIMAS

6. NAF code for the carpentry market

The APE code (or NAF code) for a woodworking company depends on its main activity. Here are the most common codes: 

Subclass 43.32A: Wood and PVC Carpentry Works

This subclass includes

  • the installation of exterior joinery made of wood or plastic materials
  • the installation of interior joinery in wood or plastic, the creation of closets, etc.
  • Installation of wooden or plastic building closures: shutters, garage doors, etc.
  • The installation of wooden or plastic gates
  • the installation of fitted or modular kitchens, cupboards, and interior staircases made of wood or plastic materials
  • The installation of drywall partitions made of wood or plastic.
  • Greenhouse and veranda assembly for private individuals
  • attic conversion

 

This subclass does not include

  • installation of automatic doors and revolving doors (see 43.29B)
  • the manufacture of roof trusses and other carpentry (cf. 16.23Z)

 

 

Subclass 43.32B: Metal carpentry and locksmithing works

This subclass includes

  • exterior door reinforcement and installation of armored doors
  • fire door installation
  • the installation of suspended ceilings on metal structures, movable partitions, etc.
  • Installation of metal building closures: shutters, blinds, garage doors, etc.
  • the installation of metal interior stairs
  • Greenhouse and veranda assembly for private individuals

 

This subclass does not include

  • installation of automatic doors and revolving doors (see 43.29B)
  • decorative ironwork installation (cf. 43.39Z)
  • The manufacture of metal structures for buildings (see 25.1)


Source : INSEE

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